Jaruwan Kaewmahanin

Field Project Coordinator, Mangrove Action Project (MAP)

Abstract: Koh Phra Thong is one of Thailand's least developed islands. It contains an extensive variety of valuable habitats, which have suffered degradation by both human and natural causes. The island was severely affected by the Asian Tsunami of Dec. 2004 and the environmental impact is clearly evident. Mangrove forest has been damaged along with coral reefs and seagrass beds. Additionally traditional management systems based on an understanding of how to manage natural resources sustainably have been largely lost due to the arrival of new groups of people. It is proposed that an environmental education programme for children be initiated. These children are tomorrow's adults and their actions and decisions will play a major role in terms of degradation or conservation of the island's natural resources. In the long-term, the goal is to increase the awareness and capacity of the island community to manage and conserve the natural environment and to live sustainably.